GENEVA: Cambodia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, In Dara, has expressed disappointment and regret that three UN Special Rapporteurs had "subscribed to a biased and prejudiced narrative as to the nature of a foreign-funded radio center in the Kingdom."

In a statement released by Permanent Representative, In Dara, in response to the Special Rapporteurs, he wrote that Cambodia advocates for professional journalism that does not violate the rights of others or twist facts. He further affirmed that Cambodia is committed to holding the upcoming national elections in a free, fair and just manner, which fully reflects the will of the people.

He said that administrative action against entities that violate the law do not merit any concern, and what should be seen as more alarming is the spread of false information and intentional slander — two things which all countries of the world condemn.

"The [Special Rapporteurs'] biased remarks purposefully overlooked an indisputable fact that the media center grossly breached profession of journalism, harmed honor and prestige of Cambodian government, and refused to amend mistakes based on the provisions of the Law on Press Regime," said Permanent Representative, In Dara, referencing the Special Rapporteur's comments on the closure of the media outlet, Voice of Democracy (VOD).

"A purported “independent” status is not a license to break the law with impunity nor to evade responsibility and accountability," he added. "The legitimate move against an unprofessional media outlet does not undermine the vibrant press freedom in the Kingdom, but contributes to the strengthening of profession of journalism."